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chain partners got paid fairly and on time. Above all else, we made sure all our staff and subcontractors were looked after.
“ Our focus, in those early years, was building up our cash reserves by re-investing profits back into the business. James and I saw our previous employer go under, and it was a massive learning curve for both of us. In setting up our business, we knew the pitfalls to avoid and what not to do.
“ With Leonari, we were starting fresh. It was important to both of us that we build strong foundations. We saw the importance in investing in the right people with the same core values as us and used this ingredient as the platform to grow our business organically. It’ s definitely contributed to our long-term success.”
The strategy carried forward by Stathis and James enabled Leonari to prove itself as a reliable and trustworthy partner externally, as well as establishing a culture of trust within its own team and throughout its network of subcontractors.“ Construction can be a tricky game, but it’ s much easier with the right people on your side,” adds Stathis.
Complex project portfolio
Throughout its early years, Leonari set itself apart by taking on challenging projects tackling environmental issues.“ One of the reasons for our initial success was our early adoption and implementation of decarbonisation strategies,” agrees Stathis.“ We were involved in several complex capital plant replacement jobs, which a lot of businesses didn’ t want to take on as they involved occupied buildings.
“ Working in a building with people does make things trickier- but we were engineers at heart, flexible and determined, so we took all the opportunities that came our way. 76